President Biden Must Resign |
|
In addition to a full congressional inquiry, which must happen immediately, I am reiterating my call for President Biden to resign from office following his unilateral, reckless retreat from Afghanistan. President Joe Biden has completely failed to execute his duties effectively.
His mishandling of this crisis shatters all confidence in his ability to serve as our Commander-in-Chief, which is any president’s most sacred responsibility. As American lives hang in the balance, our president has been isolated from his advisors and asleep at the wheel. As the situation deteriorated rapidly, President Biden only spent a few hours at the White House managing the crisis. Until recently, he hadn't even spoken with a single world leader about the situation, even though our NATO allies have a robust presence in Afghanistan.
A full investigation will ultimately determine whether President Biden’s disastrous handling of the crisis was the result of incompetence or some other cause. But even without this investigation, we can already reach the informed conclusion based on the available evidence and facts that President Biden is not up to the challenge of responding effectively to a national security emergency.
As our adversaries watch on, one can only imagine they have determined America is vulnerable right now. The American people are at risk, and we cannot afford to wait for the next crisis to strike. President Biden is not up to role of Commander-in-Chief and should resign.
|
|
Countering the Cuban Regime's Censorship Efforts
The regime in Cuba does not want the world to see the atrocities of socialism or allow its people to communicate freely with each other or the outside world. This is why I led several of my colleagues in introducing the Championing Uncensored Broadband Access "CUBA" Act of 2021. This bill will direct the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to counter the Cuban government’s censorship efforts and take steps to support the dissemination of censorship circumvention tools in Cuba.
The United States must use the tools at our disposal to help the Cuban people overcome their government’s censorship efforts. This bill directs the Biden Administration to end its foot-dragging and finally take practical steps to assist the Cuban people in circumventing the regime’s censorship. I am honored to lead this important bill with Congresswoman Maria Salazar, who has been a tireless champion for freedom and democracy on the island of Cuba.
|
|
Helping Bring Americans Home from Afghanistan
As millions of Americans are left in the dark by the Biden Administration here at home, we must not forget the thousands who are suffering the uncertainty and fear of this moment in Afghanistan. My office is currently working to bring several families and individuals home from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, right now many cannot access the airport or penetrate the Taliban's perimeter. I'm continuing to urge President Biden and others to create a safe corridor around the airport to facilitate the evacuation of ALL U.S. citizens. If you or a loved one needs our assistance, please call either of my two district offices.
Utica: 315-732-0713
Binghamton: 607-242-0200
|
|
IRS Mishandling Tax Credits |
|
Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began to issue the second round of advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments to eligible families. However, the IRS faces significant technical challenges in delivering these payments as well as processing opt-outs for those who wish not to receive them.
The IRS has not established a process to remedy these issues, preventing congressional offices from aiding their constituents. The Taxpayer Advocate Service within the IRS, which is already overwhelmed by unprecedented demand for its services, has informed congressional offices like mine that it cannot help process cases that solely involve advance CTC payments.
The uncertainty caused by a lack of clarity and response from the IRS is creating considerable challenges for families. That's why this week I wrote to the IRS requesting that it promptly establish a clear and accessible process for recourse, such as a dedicated line, similar to what was created in the aftermath of the Economic Impact Payments. Congressional offices must be able to assist their constituents with advance CTC questions.
|
|
The CDC Must Reverse its Unconstitutional Eviction Moratorium
This week, I sent a letter to President Biden calling on his Administration to respect property rights and the rule of law by immediately reversing its unconstitutional extension of the CDC eviction moratorium.
The disastrous and unconstitutional extension of the eviction moratorium is driving small local landlords in New York to the brink of financial ruin. The new eviction moratorium is not just bad policy, it is also a way for the Biden Administration to paper over its bureaucratic ineptitude. The Administration has only distributed $3 billion of the $45 billion already set aside by Congress for nationwide rent relief. It should get its own house in order and get this money into the hands of those who need it most rather than targeting property owners who have also suffered significantly.
|
|
My Ride Along with the Utica Police Department
I was honored to participate in a ride along with the Utica Police Department this week. As crime rises across our nation, law enforcement officers are on the front lines. This was an opportunity for me to learn more about the challenges they face and to reiterate my commitment to Back the Blue.
I also announced that support for my Local Law Enforcement Protection Act is growing, with endorsements this week from the Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City and the International Union of Police Associations. Decisions by cities and states to remove or erode qualified immunity are completely misguided and my bill fights back to protect it.
|
|
Touring Storm Damage in Western |
|
I was in Western today to meet with local officials, including Town Supervisor, Diane Butler. I'm committed to helping the community recover from the recent tornado and address current flooding issues as a result of the heavy rain. We must also deliver reliable cell service to the area, which is an absolute necessity in times of emergency.
As our region faces inclement weather over the next several days, please do not hesitate to contact my office with questions or for assistance. My team of expert caseworkers are in touch with local officials across our region who are dealing with flooding and other issues. My office is also in touch with FEMA and I will advocate tirelessly for whatever federal assistance may be needed for our area.
|
|
Supporting our Children
Children are the least susceptible population to the health effects of COVID-19. Yet, time and time again, our kids have had to bear the brunt of the lockdowns and mandates. As a result, they’ve missed critical milestones. I joined with members of our community and Assemblyman John Salka to put our children first and call on elected leaders in Washington and Albany support our children's education, follow the science, and unmask our kids.
|
|
AmeriCU Visit and Employee Town Hall
Credit Unions offer such vital services to our community. Thank you to AmeriCU Credit Union for hosting me this week for a great discussion on your priorities and programs. I also enjoyed participating in an employee town hall, which covered so many important issues. I will take your feedback with me to Washington to continue fighting for our region and country.
|
|
Meetings with the Central Association for the Blind and Sunnking
The Central Association for the Blind (CABVI) in Utica helps those who are blind or visually impaired achieve fulfilling, independent lives. I visited their Utica facility to receive an update on their work. We're honored to have an organization like this right here in our community offering such vital services.
I also had the chance to stop by Sunnking. Earlier this year, Sunnking opened its newest location in Whitesboro, which is where I met their leadership team this week to learn more about their innovative recycling program. Sunnking ensures individuals can safely and responsibly dispose of used electronics.
|
|
It's Fun to Stay at the YMCA |
|
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley delivers such important services to our community. I was honored to visit their facility in Oneida to receive an update on their programs for children, seniors, and families and discuss the importance of quality, affordable childcare. Hank Leo, CEO of the Greater Tri-Valley YMCA, and the entire team at the Y, are doing a tremendous job connecting those in our community with the services, support, and programs they need. The Oneida facility is very impressive and those who are interested in its services should definitely check it out!
|
|
|
Town Hall Discussion with AIPAC |
|
Thank you to AIPAC and the Jewish Community Center in Utica for hosting me this week. It was a dynamic town hall meeting that touched on so many critical issues, including the importance of the U.S.-Israel partnership. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m committed to Israel’s security and will always work in a bipartisan fashion to strengthen ties with our ally and friend.
|
|
Have news or updates to share? Email me! |
If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 22nd District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY22 as we can each week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
